Becoming an egg donor is a unique and layered experience. The decision to donate your eggs can be for many reasons - perhaps you're searching for a deeper meaning, financial assistance, or your main goal is to provide help to other people. Whatever your reasoning may be - before you become an egg donor, it’s important to know what goes into the process and what you need to consider. At Signature, we are here to guide you on your journey and support you every step of the way.
First, there are certain guidelines all egg donors must follow:
No history or current use of recreational drugs
No alcohol or smoking during the screening process or donation cycle
Avoid any exercise or strenuous activity during the cycle, including intercourse
No tattoos, piercings, or acupuncture within 12 months of cycle
Adherence with FDA guidelines in regard to STDs
Age
To ensure the optimal state of the eggs being retrieved from our donors, we accept egg donors in the age range 21 to 30 years old.
Fertility Hormones & Medications
Usually, women only mature one egg each month. So when you’re committing to being a donor, it’s important to be able to obtain multiple eggs in the retrieval process. To achieve this, egg donors are given a series of fertility medications to stimulate more egg maturation. In egg donation cycles, it’s also important to synchronize the egg maturation with the maturing of the recipient's endometrial lining. Read more in depth information about hormones and medications in our blogpost dedicated to this.
How long does it take?
The egg retrieval process itself - excluding any necessary travel - is brief, lasting only 10 to 20 minutes. But plan to spend approximately three hours at the clinic - the additional time accounts for necessary formalities such as paperwork and consultations with your doctor and anesthesiologist.
Will being an egg donor impact my everyday life?
Besides required appointments and taking some time off for your egg retrieval, no. You’re still able to go to work and/or school. However, as stated in our guidelines, we recommend that donors avoid intercourse and high intensity exercise while taking hormone injections. You can return to your usual activities the day after the retrieval, however we do recommend you continue abstaining from intercourse and HIIT exercise one week after retrieval to be on the safe side and allow your body to have a break.
Anonymity
At Signature, domestic donors have the option to be anonymous or not. If you choose to be anonymous, Signature will protect your identity at all costs. If you choose to connect with the matched intended parents, Signature will facilitate the introduction of both parties. The identity of international donors must be known per FDA requirements.
Will I still have eggs for myself after I donate?
Absolutely. The average number of eggs retrieved per cycle is between 10 and 20. Healthy, fertile women in their 20’s have hundreds of thousands of viable eggs - thus no need to be concerned for any future pregnancies should you wish to have children of your own.
How many times can I donate?
Women can donate multiple times, but The American Society of Reproductive Medicine suggests a maximum of 6 donation procedures.
At Signature, we pride ourselves on providing personal care and support to egg donors and intended parents alike. Whatever questions or concerns you may have, we are here to answer and provide you with guidance on your journey. Donating eggs is a deeply personal but generous act, and we are here to make sure the process is as smooth and full of ease as possible.
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